This was the scene of devastation that confronted police officers raiding yet another cannabis factory in Westcott Place.

The home was the third factory raided in a week along the road, which runs between GWR Park and Kingshill.

Swindon officer PC Paul Bezzant said the rented property had been “completely wrecked” by the criminals who converted it into a drug farm.

“Electricity had been bypassed and the ceiling smashed through,” he said.

Pictures taken during the raid on Monday showed the highly sophisticated set-up, with heat lamps strung up and compost heaped over plastic sheeting.

Swindon Advertiser:

Soil heaped across the floor in the property Picture: WILTSHIRE POLICE

Swindon Advertiser:

There may have been more cannabis plants than the 100 found during the raid Picture: WILTSHIRE POLICE

PC Bezzant said: “We seized approximately 100 plants but it is highly likely that the remainder of the plants had been harvested.

“It would have been quite a substantial set up and the property has been left in an appalling state.”

The cannabis plants may have been worth up to around £90,000 to the criminals, depending on the size of the crop that could have been harvested.

No arrests were made in the raid. Investigations are ongoing to find those responsible for setting up the factory.

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The house had been trashed by the cannabis farmers Picture: WILTSHIRE POLICE

The raid followed tip-offs from neighbours. PC Bezzant said: “We very much rely on members of the public to be our eyes and ears when it comes to highlighting issues like this.

“Have you noticed anything suspicious - people coming and going overnight with large bags or equipment overnight?  Even the smallest piece of information can help us. Don’t suffer in silence.

“I would urge anyone with information call us on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

Wiltshire Police said landlords should carry out proper checks on their tenants in order to avoid having to pay for the damage caused by criminals setting up drug factories in their properties.